Civil War Demo In New Fairfield

NEW FAIRFIELD — Venture Crew 79, who portrays The 79th New York Cameron Highlanders, will give a demonstration on being a soldier in the American Civil War at New Fairfield’s senior center on Saturday, February 5, from 11 am until 3 pm. Those who are interested in participating in the hobby of reenacting will have a chance to find out how to do so.

A venture crew consists of girls and boys who are between the ages of 14 and 20. Those over the age of 20 are being recruited also and are considered adult members of the unit.

There are a number of different venture units in western Connecticut; those attending the Civil War demonstration will have a chance to talk to members of the other crews. Each crew specializes in different skill areas. There are crews who specialize in rock climbing and others in camping, etc. Crew 79’s specialty is the American Civil War.

The concept for this weekend’s presentation will be that of a recruitment drive in late 1862 to get new members for the unit. The members of the 79th will portray soldiers who have come north to recruit new members for the unit, which has suffered heavy losses during the battles of Bull Run, Charleston and Antietam.

They will discuss what it is like to be a part of the Civil War reenactments of these battles. They will discuss the difference between small and large events.

Saturday’s program will be a live demonstration, with the public being encouraged to participate as soldiers of that era. Members of Crew 79 will be dressed in Civil War period dress to make the presentation more authentic.

Several members of the crew who were in the movie Gods and Generals will explain what it was like to be a part of that movie. Finally, there will be a list coming events that the public may wish to attend.

For additional information about Venture Crew 79 visit www.79thNYCompanyB.org or call Major Ralph Langham at 746-5400.